Tax-Related Identity Theft

Tax-Related Identity Theft

Creason-Edwards & Cimarolli knows the importance you place on your personal, private information. Review the tips and information below to know how to protect your information, and what to do in the case that your identity has been stolen. Read our Privacy Policy to learn about the standards we have in our firm and the measures we take to secure your information.

IRS practices regarding identity theft are still evolving, and CEC will make all attempts to keep this information up to date. For more information, visit IRS Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft. Please contact us if you have further questions.

How to Protect Yourself from Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft

Don’t carry your Social Security card or any documents that include your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your Social Security Number (SSN) to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. If your electronically filed federal or state tax return is rejected because someone has already filed a tax return with your SSN, we will contact you.

If you receive a notice from the IRS before your return has been filed, let us know immediately so that we can take action.

Our staff trained by the IRS in Identity Theft situations will complete an Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039) for you to be mailed in with your paper-filed income tax return.

We will guide you through this process, and be a resource for any future questions you have.

Steps if Your Identity was Stolen

Submit Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039) prepared by CEC

File a police report

File a complaint with the FTC

Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a “fraud alert”

Close any account opened without your permission

You will receive a letter from the IRS acknowledging receipt of the Identity Theft Affidavit included with your paper-filed income tax return mailed to the IRS.

The IRS may place an identity theft indicator on your account for three years. They will inform you if this action has taken place.

You (and your spouse) may receive an IP PIN (Identity Theft Protection Personal Identification Number) in December. If you receive a IP PIN, let us know. It will be used to file your tax return. You will receive a new IP PIN from the IRS each year. Click here to view IP PIN eligibility.

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